Coronavirus Updates

November 5, 2020

Hello NL Families,

I am pleased to announce that our High School and Middle School will be returning to our hybrid schedule on Monday, November 9th.  I am grateful to our families and staff for being flexible in this uncharted time.  We look forward to seeing our students return next week.

October 30, 2020

Good Evening NL Families,

I am reaching out this evening to inform you that we were made aware of two additional secondary building related positive COVID-19 cases today bringing our total current cases in the secondary school to four plus one additional District employee.  The individuals are currently isolating, and all individuals identified as having close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more) with them are being contacted with instructions to quarantine for 14 days.   I want to be clear that there is no school based transmission at this point.  Close contacts have been minimal and all cases reported are not related.  Having said that, we want to take a proactive approach and do our part to ensure that spread does not occur in our schools.  

Due to privacy requirements, we cannot release the names of the individuals nor any details that may identify them.  Following our approved Health and Safety Plan, we immediately consulted with the PA Department of Health.  Based on the increased number of positive cases, the PA Department of Health and the PA Department of Education recommend a temporary school closure for a period of 5 to 7 days. 

After conducting our own internal investigation and consulting with  the Department of Health, we will transition to online learning for all students in the Northern Lebanon High School and Middle School beginning Monday, November 2, 2020 through Friday, November 6, 2020.  

Attendance for all students during this time continues to be mandatory.  Students will follow their regular bell schedule to attend their courses synchronously from home.    The Zoom links to join classes are found in each course’s Schoology folder.  CTC students are not to attend CTC physically, but will need to utilize the Zoom links for their classes during the temporary closure.  Student-athletes who are quarantined may not practice or participate in games.  However, scheduled competitions will continue.  Student-athletes are reminded to monitor their health and should report any symptoms to school officials.

Please do not become complacent in your diligence toward COVID-19 as we must continue to follow the mitigation guidelines which include:·         

• Frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available;
• Consistent wearing of face coverings;
• Maintain social distancing;
• Avoid large gatherings, especially those where participants are not socially distanced and not wearing face coverings;
• Conduct a daily symptom screening and remain home if multiple COVID-19 symptoms are evident.

The District will continue to carefully monitor the data daily that we are receiving from the Department of Health, PA Department of Education, as well as our local community data and will continue to make decisions with the health and safety of our school community at the forefront.  We will send an update no later than Thursday, November 5th.  Thank you.

Gary Messinger

September 2020

Dear NL Families,

When school opened this fall, there was a realization that at some point a positive case of COVID-19 would be a reality.  As the year progresses, we will provide information on our website about the cases that are confirmed.  When a confirmed case occurs, communication will be made to all close contacts about the need to quarantine, a communication will be sent out to families in the building that has the positive case, and the District will update this page on the website.  No communication about the individual will be released. 

NLSD Confirmed Cases of COVID-19

September 2020 - 2 elementary cases, 1 case of a student that does not attend physically in any building

October 2020 - 3 HS level cases, 1 District level case, 3 elementary level cases, 1 MS level case,  1 case of a student that does not attend physically in any building

November 2020 (last updated on Nov 24) -  7 elementary level cases, 3 MS level cases, 9 HS cases, 1 District level case, 1 transportation employee

April 9, 2020

Dear Northern Lebanon Families,

I hope this message finds you well. As you are aware, last week, we began engaging students in online learning.  Most of our students logged on to Schoology or SeeSaw and had opportunities to connect with their teachers.  While this has certainly been a new experience for everyone, I am proud of the resilience of our students, teachers, and staff these past two weeks.  

Now that Governor Wolf has extended the school closure until the end of the year, we have made preparations to educate our students virtually for the fourth quarter.  Beginning Tuesday, April 14, teachers will be increasing their time with students and begin grading assignments.  Specific information on grading, schedules, and more will be sent out by administrators later today.  Also, the website is being updated with details for both secondary and elementary levels which will remain on the website for your reference as long as schools are closed. 

At this time, we have been able to connect with over 90% of our students and we are currently working to reach the remaining ones.  The technology team continues to work to provide devices and resolve technical issues for families.  If you are having these difficulties, please use the parent portal to report problems when they arise (https://sites.google.com/norleb.k12.pa.us/tech4parents/home).

The instruction for the remainder of the year will focus on the remaining skills that are deemed most important by teachers.  Students will be graded, but we believe we have adopted a grading system that will provide feedback while being fair to students.  One question that I am sure many students have is about next year.  I am happy to communicate to you that as long as a student was on pace to progress to the next grade-level when schools were closed, he/she will continue on that path.  For students that were not passing at the time school closed, this opportunity may enable you to correct that.

Finally, we fully understand that some students may put be putting in a great deal of effort and there could be other obstacles that are preventing them from a successful online learning experience.  We want to be flexible in situations where asking students to engage in online learning is too much.  If that is the case, please reach out to your building principal.  

Thank you for your continued involvement with your child's education.  I look forward to the time when I see students and staff in hallways rather than virtually.  Until then, stay safe.  

With Viking Pride,